CD REVIEWS

An honest and critical review of some of the latest music CDs available. Reviews by some of industry’s major players (radio disc jockeys, entertainment writers and journalists). A guide for consumers and fans to navigate through the good from the bad the industry has to offer.

Title: CRYING TO THE NATION Artist: I OCTANE Title: VP RECORDS CRYING TO THE NATION is I Octane’s long overdue debut album, and from the reaction of his many fans worldwide, it was worth the wait! Veteran producer Robert Livingston was brought in to work the new stuff, while a couple of previously...Read More »

CD Review – ALLAN KERFEW Title: SITUATION Artist: ALLAN KERFEW Label: CANCERIAN Allan Kerfew is basically a relative newcomer on the international recording scene, even though he has been in the business for quite a while. Put it this way, if you frequent the local club scenes in the various Brooklyn, New York, neighborhoods,...Read More »

Title: They Call Me Mr. Melody Artist: Singing Melody Label: Shem Records Rating: **** “This is the first album I’ve done in many years since taking time off from my solo career to work with my group…when I made the decision to return to the studio, I didn’t intend to spend two years working...Read More »

TITLE: STEELY & CLEVIE PRESENTS MEMORIES ARTIST: VARIOUS ARTISTS LABEL: VP RECORDS Review by Marlon Burrell ///// I was very excited when I learned that there was a new Steely & Clevie project coming out. I was even more excited to learn that the project consisted of their take on some Jamaican classics, similar...Read More »

TITLE: STRICTLY THE BEST 45 ARTIST: VARIOUS ARTISTS LABEL: VP RATINGS:**1/2 Of the two volumes of Strictly The Best (44 & 45) that are released simultaneously, the dance hall set is usually the least favorable for critics, due mainly to the explicit lyrics of some the material included. This selection of songs is...Read More »

By Marlon Burrell Title: Hits After Hits Vol.5 Artist: Various Artists Label: Joe Fraser/// Joe Fraser Reccords began the Hits After Hits series in 2007 with a consistent formula that has been proven to be successful. Take some currents hits, add some hits from the recent past, throw in some gems from the...Read More »

Title: Dwight Pinkney Plays The Ventures Jamaican Style Artist: Dwight Pinkney & D.P. Band Label: AIR Ratings:***1/2 Here we go again, another great innovator of Jamaican music is back with a stellar production. For nearly fifty years, Dwight Pinkney has been picking his guitar strings, and the man still has what it takes...Read More »

Title: Strictly The Best 44 Artist: Various Artists Label: VP Records Rating: **1/2 The days when “Strictly The Best” were really strictly the best have long passed. For the past 10 years or so, one of VP Records’ stellar compilations, has taken a turn of being just another Reggae compilation! The selections...Read More »

Title: Higher Heights Revolution Artist: Everton Blender Label: Island Splash Rating: *** “I am putting in 100% of myself, giving to the people lyrics that make them conscious and spiritual. I feel like I am shining a light of consciousness around the world!” declared Everton Blender, as he released his latest CD in five...Read More »

By Clinton Lindsay Title: Let It Play Artist: Chalice Label: Tad’s Records Ratings: **** In 2010, Ed Robinson had a big tune – “Our Heroes” – paying tribute to many of Reggae’s long forgotten stalwarts. In the lyrics, he asked whatever happened to “Chalice and Zap Pow posse?” Within months, “Let It Play” became...Read More »